By: Joe Haemmerle '86
WELCOME TO THE JACK
The Crusaders begin their third season on the new surface at Jack McGovern Field at Bergen Catholic's Crusader Stadium. The field was dedicated in memory of BC Hall of Famer, Alumnus, Alumni Parent and former Athletic Director, Jack McGovern who passed in 2019. You can watch a tribute to Jack with the link above.
The Jack unveiled a brand-new scoreboard for the 2022 season. We hope it enhances your experience at BC.
As you enjoy today's contest between two outstanding Catholic high schools, please remember to keep your focus on the positive encouragement of your team.
Today's contest is being conducted according to the rules of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. These rules provide for fair competition among players. Spectators can help promote good sportsmanship by observing the rules of fair play. Any verbal, written, or physical conduct related to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion shall not be tolerated, could subject the violator to ejection, and may result in penalties being assessed against your team. Everyone is requested to take personal responsibility for keeping this competition at a high level of good sportsmanship.
PRAYERFUL TRADITIONS
Responses to the following intercessions:
ST. BENEDICT:
PRAY FOR US!
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP:
PRAY FOR US!
BLESSED EDMUND RICE:
PRAY FOR US!
LIVE JESUS IN OUR HEARTS:
FOREVER!
2025 CRUSADERS AT A GLANCE.
The Crusaders enter today's game under the direction of Head Coach, Vito Campanile, the eleventh coach in program history. Coach Campanile has done nothing but polish an apple, leading the Crusaders to five-consecutive #1 state rankings and school record, four consecutive Non-Public "A" State Championships. This year, the Crusaders are ranked #32 in the USA by MaxPreps as well as the #2-ranked high school football team in the state of New Jersey.
VITO VENIT VIDIT VICIT
Coach Campanile came, saw and conquered. His record at the helm of the scarlet and gold is now a gaudy 70-11 (.864 winning percentage) through his first seven plus years.
| SEASON |
WON |
LOST |
TIED |
PCT |
| 2025 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
.833 |
| 2024 State Champs |
11 |
1 |
0 |
.917 |
| 2023 State Champs |
11 |
1 |
0 |
.917 |
| 2022 State Champs |
11 |
1 |
0 |
.917 |
| 2021 State Champs |
12 |
0 |
0 |
1.000 |
| 2020 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
.833 |
| 2019 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
.556 |
| 2018 |
10 |
2 |
0 |
.833 |
| TOTALS |
68 |
10 |
0 |
.872 |
Coach Campanile took the helm at Bergen Catholic in 2018, succeeding brother, Nunzio, who led BC to a state championship in 2017. Coach Vito immediately found success during the 2018 season, leading BC to the state final before the Crusaders were upset by St. Joseph Regional at MetLife Stadium.
Following a five-and-four 2019 campaign, Covid-19 prevented Campanile's #1-ranked Crusaders from pursuing a state championship as the state tournament was cancelled for the season.
In 2021, Coach Campanile led BC to its 18th state championship and second-ever 12-0 record. The Crusaders were the class of the state of New Jersey and earned the school's highest ever ranking to date of #3 in the country. The Crusaders have gone on to winning championships ever since, defeating Don Bosco Prep in 2021, 2022 and 2024 and defeating Delbarton School in 2023, all at Metlife Stadium.
In recognition of his commitment to excellence and leadership, Coach Campanile was recognized by the
USAToday as the Nation's High School Boys Coach of the Year.
In his 18-year head coaching career, Coach Campanile has a record of 153-61 (a .715 winning percentage).
BERGEN CATHOLIC ON OFFENSE
Sophomore QB
#12 Trey Tagliaferri leads the offensive unit, continuing a tradition of strong QB play left off by Steve Angeli, Jack Duffy and
Dominic Campanile (most recently). He has already thrown for 1,138 yards on the season with 13 touchdowns against just one interception. His three, 3-TD games ties him for tops among BC's all-time finest. Freshman
Walker Snee is dangerous as well, showing he may be the most dynamic ball carrier out of the backfield for BC. In addition to completing 50% of his passes this year, he is averaging 8 yards per carry with a pair of touchdowns. Junior
#15 Aidan Talley (ran for one touchdown against Winslow) and passer
#16 Ralph Tristani round out perhaps the most talented groups of young QBs in NJ.
That said, the backfield is strong with workhorse
#6 Najee Calhoun averaging close to 6 yards per carry and reaching pay dirt five times on the season. Calhoun has rushed for over 100 yards in a game 8 times while at BC, including a career high 234 yards at Massilon (OH) last year. The outstanding scholar-athlete has fifteen 100-yard games in his career. Calhoun's 68-yard score against Winslow Township was the longest for a BC runner this season. West Point-bound
#1 Dante Kain continues as a major threat running and receiving. The senior has 1,172 career rushing yards and nine touchdowns to go with 26 career receptions for another six.
In the big play category comes receiver
#4 Austin Busso. The junior wide out is well on his way to a 1000-yard receiving yard season. He leads BC with 6 touchdowns on the season and the longest play of the year, an 83-yard scoring strike from Tagliaferri against West Boca Raton (FL).
#3 Brian Porter is Mr. Big Play. He has four touchdowns on nine catches, but is averaging a stunning 21.9 yards per reception. A third junior receiver,
#13 Anthony Willis, is having a terrific year as well. Willis has 24 catches for 224 yards and a score and if you are too focused on those three, a fourth junior receiver
#14 Jamel Hammary can beat you as well (2 TDs receiving).
A senior-laden offensive line does the heavy work up front. BC averages 6'2.5" and 290 pounds per man on the O-line in 2025. Athletic
#71 Rocco Costello brings three years of experience with him into his senior campaign. He will be working alongside of
#77 Mike McMahon at the guard position.
#50 Travis Nodelman anchors the line at the center position and
#74 Harold Kang will play guard next to
#55 Jack Harris who is returning to his tackle position. Don't be surprised to see time with quality back-ups,
#65 Hunter Gillon,
#58 Luke George,
#56 Eamonn Errity and freshman
#75 Justin Golden.
THE CRUSADERS ON DEFENSE
BY, NICK FONTANETTA '26 - Senior linebackers
#10 Mason Mark, #7 Joshua Cruz and
#5 Timothy Hogan are heavy hitters who keep the defense playing at a high level. Together with
#25 Nick Mauro, the quartet has combined for 123 tackles, 2 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this year.
On the defensive line sophomore
#0 Jackson Vaughn is having another good year as a second-year starter. He currently leads the team with three sacks. Seniors
#8 DeAndre Orgill and
#88 Jermaine Kinsler each have 24 tackles, junior
#9 Kenneth Hackney has 15 tackles and senior
#95 Brandon Wilson has 13 tackles on the year. Expect to see quite a bit from
#99 Jayden Beckley (8 tackles) and freshman
#66 Yah-Yah Lewis may see quality time as well. Together the unit recorded 6 sacks, and 11.5 tackles for a loss.
The Crusaders boast one of the top defensive backfields in the country. They are led by Ohio State commit
#21 Jordan Thomas who has 31 tackles, 1 interception 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 blocked punt, which led to
#27 Amare Newell's return for a touchdown to shock East St. Louis in the Ocean City Classic on opening day. Newell has a pair of interceptions (both against Winslow Township) and 15 tackles. Senior
#2 Xavier Jackson is as solid a tackler as any of the defensive backs in the league with 21 tackles and 12 solos. Junior
#24 Tristan Herring has 10 tackles and
#20 Adrian Woodward (8 tackles) and
#30 Amiir Woodward (5 tackles) are outstanding sophomore talents in the secondary.
CRUSADER SPECIAL TEAMS
#42 Jacob Soltys is excellent at the place-kicking position for BC (21 for 22 PATs and 2 for 2 FGs this season). He is a weapon with his kickoffs, as 18 of 31 kickoffs have landed in the end zone for touchbacks.
#48 Grayson Carfagno will be BC's long-snapper, snapping to punter
#15 Aidan Talley (averaging 37.7 yards per punt).
#21 Jordan Thomas and
#13 Anthony Willis are the Crusader punt-returners and a myriad of players will likely be returning kickoffs for BC.
CRUSADER CLASS OF 2026 COMMITMENTS
BY, JORDAN THOMAS '26
Jackson Kolomer - Committed to Bates College
Joshua Cruz - Committed to New Hampshire University
Jack Harris - Committed to James Madison University
Xavier Jackson - Committed to the University of North Carolina
Dante Kain - Committed to Army West Point
Jermaine Kinsler - Committed to the University of Texas A&M
Mikey McMahon - Committed to Dartmouth University
Jordan Thomas - Committed to THE Ohio State University
DELBARTON GREEN WAVE
The Green Wave are coached by long-time coach Brian Bowers. Bowers, now in his 23
rd season at the helm has amassed a record of 164-75 (.686 winning percentage). His team put on a good show the last time these two schools met, in the 2023 Non-Public "A" Final at Metlife Stadium. His Green Wave earned a perfect 6-0 record in the shortened Covid-19 Season of 2020. BC was scheduled to play Delbarton in Morristown that season, but just minutes prior to kickoff, a Green Wave player reportedly had tested positive for Covid-19 and the game had to be cancelled.
| SEASON |
W |
L |
WIN % |
COACH |
| 2025 |
3 |
3 |
.500 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2024 |
7 |
3 |
.700 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2023 |
10 |
1 |
.909 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2022 |
6 |
6 |
.500 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2021 |
5 |
6 |
.455 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2020 |
6 |
0 |
1.000 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2019 |
6 |
4 |
.600 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2018 |
6 |
4 |
.600 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2017 |
3 |
8 |
.273 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2016 |
4 |
6 |
.400 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2015 |
8 |
3 |
.727 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2014 |
9 |
2 |
.818 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2013 |
9 |
2 |
.818 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2012 |
10 |
2 |
.833 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2011 |
11 |
1 |
.917 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2010 |
5 |
5 |
.500 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2009 |
6 |
4 |
.600 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2008 |
7 |
3 |
.700 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2007 |
8 |
2 |
.800 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2006 |
8 |
4 |
.667 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2005 |
11 |
1 |
.917 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2004 |
8 |
2 |
.800 |
Brian Bowers |
| 2003 |
8 |
3 |
.727 |
Brian Bowers |
| 23rd Season |
164 |
75 |
.686 |
Brian Bowers |
DELBARTON ON OFFENSE
Sophomore quarterback
#10 Gavin Gilardi has been commanding the offense with precision and poise. He's completed 55 of 78 passes for 783 yards, throwing 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He connected with
#16 Grant Van Raaphorst for a
a long of 92 yards.
In the backfield, junior running back
#22 Kobe Irby-Mason powers the ground game with 96 carries for 507 yards (5.3 YPC) and 3 touchdowns, including a long run of 65 yards. Senior
#7 Matt Tafuri complements him with 48 carries for 280 yards (5.8 YPC) and 3 touchdowns, proving to be a consistent red-zone threat.
Through the air, the receiving corps is led by sophomore wideout
#16 Van Raaphorst, has hauled in 15 receptions for 395 yards and 6 touchdowns, highlighted by a 92-yard score
. #7 Tafuri adds another dimension coming out of the backfield with 14 receptions for 134 yards and 3 touchdowns, while sophomore
#12 Xavier Rodriguez has been reliable with 5 catches for 100 yards, including a 73-yard long gain.
BIG D ON DEFENSE
BY, MATTHEW PEKO '26 - Senior linebacker
#4 Emmett Caughey is the heart of the Green Wave defense, leading the team with 7.5 tackles per game and recording 2 sacks so far this season. Fellow senior
#11 Michael Sclafani has been a key playmaker at outside linebacker with solid run support, a sack, and an interception. On the defensive line, the Green Wave are anchored by senior
#99 Chris Dadas, who brings leadership and strength to the front, and senior
#81 Devin Martin, who consistently pressures opposing quarterbacks. Junior
#88 Luke McBride adds to the disruption up front with 2 sacks and several tackles for loss.
In the defensive backfield, sophomore
#1 Chaz Cusimano and senior
#21 Colin Brady each have an interception this season. Cusimano's speed and awareness make him a rising star in the secondary, while veterans
#2 Nick Stoll and
#3 Chase Houser provide reliable coverage and experience. The Green Wave defense has shown strong discipline and physicality, setting the tone each week with their aggressive style of play.
GREEN WAVE SPECIAL TEAMS
#47 Hudson Yee is the highly accurate place kicker for Delbarton School. He is 19 of 19 on extra point attempts and has hit one FG for 36 yards in three FG attempts.
#7 Tafuri is the team's primary return man, both with punts and kickoff returns. He averages 28.3 YPR on kickoffs, with a long of 67 and nearly nine yards per return on punts.
#16 Van Raaphorst is his partner in crime on kickoffs putting up very similar numbers. He averages 26.8 yards per return with a long of 42.
THIS DAY IN CRUSADER FOOTBALL HISTORY
OCTOBER 18
BY, SHANE ROBERTS '26 - On this day in 2014, Bergen Catholic faced St. Joseph in one of the most exciting games of the season. The game went into double overtime, with both teams battling hard from start to finish.
Bergen Catholic's quarterback Jarrett Guarantano connected with current Crusader assistant coach, Gene Coleman, for three touchdowns, and Corey Russo added two rushing scores, including the game-winning 25-yard touchdown run in the second overtime.
The Crusaders came out on top with a 37–34 victory, marking an important moment in Bergen Catholic football history.
OCTOBER 18
| YEAR |
WLT |
HAN |
OPPONENT |
BC |
OPP |
| 1964 |
W |
A |
St. Cecilia |
7 |
6 |
| 1970 |
L |
H |
Seton Hall Prep |
16 |
22 |
| 1980 |
W |
A |
Montclair |
14 |
6 |
| 1986 |
W |
H |
Paramus |
20 |
8 |
| 1997 |
W |
A |
Passaic |
42 |
7 |
| 2003 |
W |
H |
Teaneck |
32 |
6 |
| 2008 |
W |
H |
Paramus |
56 |
14 |
| 2014 |
W (2OT) |
A |
St. Joseph Reg. |
37 |
34 |
SCHEDULE PARALLELS
The Crusaders and the Green Wave enter today's game coming off wins and byes most recently. After falling to DBP on week 4, the Crusaders regrouped and put 45 points up on the board against Paramus Catholic in the first half to rout the Paladins 45-14. The Green Wave started slow, facing some tough out-of-state challenges, but after a 1-3 start, they have begun to turn things around. Two straight lopsided wins over SHP and Pope John XXIII plus a bye last week must have Delbarton positive coming into today's game.
| BERGEN CATHOLIC |
DELBARTON |
| WK |
OPPONENT |
PF |
PA |
OPPONENT |
PF |
PA |
| 0 |
E. St. Louis (IL) |
22 |
21 |
St. Ed's (OH) |
28 |
48 |
| 1 |
W Boca Raton (FL) |
21 |
14 |
Malvern Prep (PA) |
0 |
29 |
| 2 |
Winslow |
41 |
14 |
Msgr. Farrell (NY) |
35 |
6 |
| 3 |
Pope John XXIII |
35 |
0 |
St. Peter's Prep |
7 |
42 |
| 4 |
Don Bosco Prep |
9 |
14 |
Seton Hall Prep |
28 |
7 |
| 5 |
BYE |
|
|
Pope John XXIII |
38 |
15 |
| 6 |
Paramus Catholic |
45 |
14 |
BYE |
|
|
| 7 |
Delbarton |
|
|
Bergen Catholic |
|
|
|
TOTAL POINTS |
173 |
77 |
TOTAL POINTS |
136 |
147 |
|
PER GAME |
28.8 |
12.8 |
PER GAME |
22.7 |
24.5 |
BERGEN CATHOLIC - DELBARTON HISTORY
The first football meeting of the two schools came in the 2001 State Championship Game at Rutgers Stadium. The Green Wave upset Don Bosco Prep 14-12 in the quarterfinals. Don Bosco had beaten BC 14-13 on a blocked extra-point with 0:01 remaining in the game earlier in the season. Once again, an extra point would be the difference and BC would make it. Chris Hanley's PAT and fourth-quarter 45-yard field goal lifted BC to a 10-9 victory in Non-Public IV that year.
Sixteen years would pass before the schools would meet again, though pre-season scrimmages were often part of the football relationship through the years. BC won big in the 2017 state quarterfinals. In 2021, BC and Delbarton met in the regular season after a Covid scare forced the 2020 game to be canceled, just minutes before in Morristown. The Crusaders defeated a stingy Wave team, scoring a 21-0 victory a week after returning from 114 heat in Saguaro, AZ the week before. The point margin would remain the same for the 2022 state semi-final rematch before the teams met at MetLife Stadium in 2023 for the New Jersey State Championship. The #1 and #2 ranked teams in the state put on a strong performance, with the Crusaders earning a hard-fought 24-14 victory.
DATE RES HAN BC D
Sunday, December 2, 2001** W N 10 9
Saturday, November 18, 2017* W H 41 16
Saturday, September 18, 2021 W H 28 19
Saturday, September 10, 2022 W A 21 0
Saturday, November 19, 2022* W H 28 7
Tuesday, November 28, 2023** W N 24 14
